This past summer, I traveled to Rome, Italy, for six weeks as part of the Human Biology Study in Rome education abroad program. It was truly the experience of a lifetime that I will never forget.

Beginning my education abroad journey was nerve-wracking. I had never traveled outside of the United States, nor had I ever traveled solo. Going abroad without knowing anyone in the program—or even what to expect—was scary. However, those fears quickly disappeared the moment my program began.

As soon as I landed in Rome, I was captivated by the beautiful architecture. Statues and stunning murals adorned almost every building I passed, especially the churches. Rome is a bustling city filled with the constant sound of honking horns and fast-paced driving.

We attended classes at a college affiliated with the number one hospital in Italy, which was an incredible experience. One of the highlights was touring their point-of-care lab testing facilities and seeing the behind-the-scenes work that supports patient care.

Beyond the immersive educational experience, the program also made a strong effort to introduce us to the local language and culture. Before our classes began, we took three days of "survival Italian," which I found essential. We learned common phrases we would frequently hear and use. In Italian culture, people really appreciate when you try to speak their language and making that effort helped me feel truly integrated into the culture.

My education abroad program helped me flourish. I've never been more confident in myself. I made lifelong friends I otherwise may have never met, stepped out of my comfort zone, immersed myself in a new culture, enjoyed the best food I’ve ever had, gained invaluable knowledge for my future career, and made memories that will last a lifetime.

• Name: Kamryn Mayse-Revels
• Status: Senior
• Major: Human Biology
• Hometown: Livonia, Michigan
• Program: Human Biology Summer in Rome